Fresh food shipping vessel

ABSTRACT

A fresh food shipping Vessel is described. The food shipping Vessel includes an outer protective shell, an internal insulation cage with a closing lid and a plurality of drawers. The drawers and other components are specifically designed to provide for conductive and/or convective properties within the Vessel to assist in maintaining food items at a desired temperature. Further, the food containers and ice packs are also designed to assist in the conductive and/or convective properties of the food shipping Vessel, thereby allowing for shipment of fresh food products for extended periods of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/873,274, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, and entitled, “Fresh Food Shipping Vessel System.”

This is ALSO a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/986,790, filed on Apr. 30, 2014, and entitled, “Fresh Food Shipping Vessel.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a shipping container (the “Vessel”) that enables the transport via common carrier of fresh foods within a re-usable, temperature-controlled and impact-protected shipping Vessel.

(2) Description of Related Art

Shipping containers have long been known in the art. Shipping containers come in a variety of forms and are used to ship a variety of products. By way of example, a traditional shipping container is a cardboard box that can be used to ship any number of items. While operable for holding items therein, such a shipping container may not be desirable to ship cold-food products since it does not maintain temperatures well nor is it designed to maintain a consistent temperature (within a narrow temperature range) throughout the container.

As an enhancement over traditional cardboard boxes, some retailers ship cold food products in Styrofoam™ (“Foam”) containers. While such Foam containers are functional for maintaining food products at a cooled temperature, they are not durable, present environmental problems once they are out of service and lack a lot of the functionality that is provided by the present invention. For example, Foam containers are not capable of maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the container within a narrow temperature range. As another example, a traditional Foam container is typically filled by simply stacking items therein. By stacking items on top of and next to one another, a traditional Foam container does not provide for convective and/or conductive properties that can be employed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container for prolonged periods of time. Further, a traditional Foam container allows a user to simply place several items therein, but does little to catalog actual placement of those items (which may be desirable if the food is being sent to multiple consumers at one shipping location).

Thus, a continuing need exists for a new and improved fresh food shipping container that solves the aforementioned problems and, in doing so, provides for (1) convective and/or conductive properties to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container (within a narrow temperature range) for prolonged periods of time; (2) allows for specific inventory control; (3) ease of shipping by common carriers; (4) reduces waste and provides for re-usability; and (5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the container and its contents.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and effectively shipping fresh foods. The shipping Vessel includes an insulation cage that adapted/formed to hold one or more drawers therein. Further, the Vessel includes one or more drawers for positioning within the insulation cage, each drawer adapted to hold at least one item thereon.

In one aspect, the insulation cage includes a crate and a tub, with an insulation layer entirely sealed between the crate and tub.

In yet another aspect, the insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers within the insulation cage.

In another aspect, the insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single configuration.

Further, the one or more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items amongst the drawers.

In yet another aspect, the drawers include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the slots are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.

In another aspect, the thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes formed there through, whereby the holes are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.

Further, a plurality of containers are included for attaching with a drawer, each of the containers having a plurality of protrusions.

Additionally, each drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as recesses to receive the plurality of protrusions and hold the container in place during transit. The container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion such that when the containers are affixed with the container connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby assisting convection flow amongst the drawers.

In another aspect, at least one temperature plate is included for positioning within the insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a desired temperature for a period of time. The temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a cold temperature to the vessel during transit.

Further and in another aspect, the Vessel includes an outer protective shell for holding the insulation cage therein. The shell includes front loading doors with a single, center closing seam.

In another aspect, a ratcheting latch mechanism can be included that spans the center closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal the doors in a closed position. The ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage. The first part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a clasp and a lifting handle. The second part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp.

In another aspect, a tamper proof latch system is included, whereby the tamper proof latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during transit. The tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the clasp portion causes the band to break.

In another aspect, the shell includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably attachable with the outer walls. Each handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto, with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable handle.

In another aspect, open connectors are affixed with the doors and outer walls of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in an open position. In one aspect, the open connectors are magnets.

In another aspect, the shell is formed of a corrugate plastic and the shell and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped.

Finally, the present invention also includes a method for forming and using the invention described herein. The method for forming the Vessel comprises a plurality of acts of forming and assembling the parts described herein to collectively form the Vessel. The method for using the Vessel comprises a plurality of acts of loading and shipping the Vessel with the relevant items and containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a shipping Vessel according to the principles of the present invention, depicting an outer protective shell and an internal insulation cage that includes a plurality of drawers and a closing lid;

FIG. 2 is an exploded-view illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a crate, an insulation layer, and a tub;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the insulation layer as affixed within the tub;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a cut-away to illustrate the insulation layer therein;

FIG. 3C is a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is an illustration of the insulation cage with temperature plates according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an assembled insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a plurality of drawers positioned within the insulation cage;

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a drawer according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5B provides several view-point illustrations of a small food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5C provides several view-point illustrations of a large food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5D provides several view-point illustrations of an elongated food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5E is a top, perspective-view illustration of a plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer;

FIG. 5F is a bottom, perspective-view illustration the plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer;

FIG. 5G is a top, perspective-view illustration depicting the plurality of containers being positioned into a drawer;

FIG. 5H is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of a drawer and containers according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5I is an illustration of a plurality of drawers according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5J is an illustration of a plurality of drawers according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded-view illustration of the closing lid according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7C is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a side handle for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a locking mechanism for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a rigid trim assembly for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a tamper proof latch system for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 11B is an illustration of the tamper proof latch system for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and effectively shipping fresh foods. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

(1) Description

As noted above and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a fresh food shipping Vessel 100. It should be explicitly understood that although the Vessel 100 is described with respect to shipping food items, the use of the term “food” is used for illustrative purposes only as one suitable application and that the Vessel 100 is not intended to be limited thereto. For example, instead of food, the Vessel 100 can be used to transport beverages, organs for transplant, other biologic materials, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, fresh flowers, or any other item or materials where it may be desirable to maintain a stable temperature during transit. Thus, as evident below, the Vessel 100 has been specifically designed to (1) maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container (within a narrow temperature range) for prolonged periods of time: (2) allow for specific inventory control; (3) provide for ease of shipping by common carriers; (4) reduce waste and provide for re-usability, and (5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the Vessel and its contents.

The shipping Vessel 100 includes several components, including an outer protective shell 102, an internal insulation cage 104, a plurality of drawers 106, and a closing lid 108. As will be evident below, each of the components of the shipping Vessel 100 provide several unique features that individually and collectively further enhance the operability of the shipping Vessel 100.

As noted above, the shipping Vessel 100 includes an insulation cage 104. The insulation cage 104 is any suitable insulating container or box that is operable for maintaining cold (or hot) items therein. As a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 2, the insulation cage 104 includes a crate 200, an insulation layer 202, and a tub 204. The crate 200 and/or tub 204 provide a level of rigidity and durability to the insulation cage 104 and, as such, are formed of any suitably durable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. Alternatively, the insulation layer 202 is any suitable material that can be employed to provide an insulating effect to the material positioned within the insulation cage 104. As a non-limiting example, the insulation layer 202 is a polyurethane foam that can be blown into a gap between the crate 200 and the tub 204. For example, FIG. 3A depicts the insulation layer 202 as positioned within tub 204. However and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, foam is subject to degradation over time. Thus, in one non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the crate 200 includes a peripheral lip 300 that projects laterally from an end of the crate 200. The crate 200 can be positioned within the tub 204 such that the peripheral lip 300 engages/contacts the rim 306 of the tub 204. Thus, in this aspect, the crate 200 is affixed with the tub 204 (via, for example, the point of contact between the peripheral lip 300 and the rim 306). The crate 200 is affixed with the tub 204 using any suitable adhesion technique, non-limiting examples of which include plastic or sonic welding and use of an adhesive (e.g., glue or epoxy). In one aspect, the crate 200 is formed such that when positioned within and affixed to the tub 204, a gap exists between the crate 200 and tub 204. As a non-limiting example, the gap is approximately one and one half inches thick and surrounds the crate 200. Using any suitable filling technique, the insulation layer 202 can then be blown through a hole formed through the tub 204 and into the gap. Upon sealing the hole, the insulation layer 202 is then sealed in a water tight manner between the crate 200 and tub 204.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by sealing (e.g., via a watertight plastic weld seal) the insulation layer 202 between the crate 200 and tub 204, the insulation cage 104 provides substantial insulating properties, yet can also be easily cleaned and sanitized without detrimentally affecting the foam (i.e., insulation layer 202) therein. In other words and in one non-limiting aspect, the crate 200 and tub 204 completely cover the insulation layer 202 so that the crate 200 can be sterilized while not contaminating the insulation layer 202. The tub 204 piece, in one non-limiting example, is a thin plastic film that prevents external contamination of the foam insulation. In another aspect, material selection for the Vessel and its insulation cage 104 involves the use of plastics and smooth surfaces so that chances of bacteria build up are reduced and the ease of sterilization is maintained.

For further understanding, FIG. 3B provides an illustration of the insulation cage 104, depicting a cut-away to illustrate the insulation layer 202 between the crate 200 and tub 204. FIG. 3C is a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the insulation cage 104. As shown, the tub 204 is a thin-piece of material (although it can be formed of any desired thickness) that is sealed against the crate 200, with the insulation layer 202 there between.

Further and as illustrated in FIG. 4, an important feature of the insulation cage 104 is its ability to effectively hold a plurality of compartments and/or items. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated, the insulation cage 104 includes a plurality of drawers 106. As shown between FIGS. 3A and 4, the insulation cage 104 includes a rail system that allows the drawers 106 to easily slide in and out of the crate 200. As a non-limiting example, the rail system includes a plurality of rails 302 (shelves) that project from an inner wall 304 of the crate 200. The rails 302 are separately formed and attached (via an adhesive, screws, etc.) to the wall 304 or can be integrally formed in the wall 304 during formation of the crate 200. The rails 302 are operable for allowing the drawers 106 to slide in and out of the cage 104 (while supporting a drawer 106) while a rail above the drawer 106 operates to prevent the drawer 106 from tipping when extended from the cage 104. Stop tabs 308 can optionally be included to lock the drawers 106 into the Vessel so that the drawers 106 cannot be easily removed from the cage 104. It should also be noted that the rails 302 allow the packer or user to selectively position the drawers 106 in the desired location. As a non-limiting example, multiple drawers 106 may be used. As another non-limiting example, a single drawer may be used to hole a large item or positioned centrally to provide space above and below the drawer 106, or any combination thereof.

In one aspect, the plurality of compartments (e.g., drawers 106) can be used to allow for shipment of several different items to a variety of individuals. Imagine a scenario where a plurality of consumers each order a different lunch meal (e.g., a sandwich, crackers, salad, etc.). Each consumer would ideally prefer to know exactly which drawer 106 contained their particular food item. In order to allow for such functionality it is desirable to catalog which drawer 106 contains which item. In one aspect, a label (e.g., sticky label) can be adhered to the end of the drawer identifying the contents of a particular drawer or an end consumer's name. Alternatively and as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the each drawer 106 can include a unique identifier 400, a non-limiting example of which includes a bar code. It should be understood that any suitable identifier can be employed, such as a simple number stamp, a label (e.g., 1, A, etc.), a bar code, a QR code, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, or any combination thereof. In either event, the unique identifier 400 allows a packer (i.e., the person packing the goods into the Vessel) to catalog exactly what is being packed into a particular drawer 106 and can also be used to notify an end consumer which drawer 106 their particular food item rests in. For example, the packer using an inventory catalog/shipping system can scan the bar code when packing a first drawer 106 and designate that the first drawer 106 has the food products for Consumers A and B. Alternatively, when packing a second drawer 106 (for Consumers C and D), the same inventory catalog/shipping system can be utilized to designate that the second drawer 106 has the food products for Consumers C and D. The inventory catalog/shipping system can then generate an email, text, or any other suitable message, that is sent to the relevant consumers notifying them of which particular drawer their order can be found in (e.g., Drawer 1, 2, etc.). As can be understood by those skilled in the art, an inventory catalog/shipping system operates on a data processing system with a processor and memory having instructions encoded thereon that would allow such a system to catalog inventory and provide such notifications as described above.

In addition to allowing for unique identification capabilities, the drawers 106 can be designed to assist in maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the Vessel. As a non-limiting example, the drawers 106 are designed to provide for both convection and conduction. Due to the convective and conductive properties of the Vessel (and/or drawers 106), fans are not required to maintain optimal temperature throughout the Vessel. For example and as shown in FIG. 5A, the drawers 106 can be formed to include a plurality of holes 500 that allows for convention (air flow) to spread the temperature throughout the Vessel. In one aspect, the holes pass entirely through a bottom portion 508 of the drawers 106. In another aspect, some of the holes can be formed into a specific shape that allows the designated hole to engage with a protrusion on a container and, in doing so, operate as a container connector 501. For example, the hole can receive the protrusion in a coupling arrangement. These aspects are described in further detail below.

In another aspect, the edges of the drawings 106 can optionally be formed to include ridges 502 near convection slots 504 that would prevent a food pack from sliding over and covering a convection slot 504, thereby further assisting in air flow within the Vessel.

In another aspect, the drawers 106 are formed entirely of any suitably stable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. However and as noted above, the drawers 106 can also be designed to provide for conduction. Thus, the drawers 106 are optionally formed, at least partially, of any suitable material that enhances thermal conduction, a non-limiting example of which includes metal. For example and in one aspect, metal conduction plates can be included between the drawers 106, with metal disks formed in the drawers 106 to further enhance conduction between the metal plates and the layers of drawers 106. Alternatively, the drawers 106 are desirably formed such that a bottom portion 508 (i.e., the portion that includes the holes 500) of the drawers 106 is formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal). In this aspect, the side walls 510 can be formed of plastic, with the metal bottom portion 508 affixed with (e.g., via a tongue and groove connection, etc.) and surrounded by the plastic side walls 510. Thus, temperature can be easily transferred between drawer 106 levels via the metal bottom portion 508, while the plastic side walls 510 provide stability yet decrease overall weight of the drawer 106 (as opposed to metal side walls). Referring again to FIG. 3A, to further maintain a desired temperature within the Vessel, optional temperature plates 310 (e.g., a cold plate) can be positioned within the crate 200. The temperature plates 310 are any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for maintaining a stable temperature. As a non-limiting example, the temperature plates 310 are metal plates having a void or cavity therein that is filled with a freezable material, non-limiting examples of which include gel and water. In this aspect, the temperature plate 310 would operate as a cold source to assist in maintaining a desired cold temperature in the insulation cage 104 during transit. Alternatively, if a hot item is being shipped, the temperature plates 310 could be filled with a material that generates or maintains heat and operates as a hot plate. In one aspect, the hot plate can simply be filled with a gel and heated, with the gel maintaining and radiating heat from the hot plate. In another aspect, the hot plate could be filled with chemicals that provide a one-time exothermic chemical reaction. For example, the hot plate can be formed to include two breakable compartments in the cavity such that when a packer compresses the hot plate, the compartments break which causes the reagents to mix and produce heat. As another non-limiting example, the hot plate can be reusable. For example, the hot plate can include in its void a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) in water and operate essentially as a sodium acetate heat pad. To be activated, a portion of the hot plate can be formed to include a rubber seal that holds a small ferrous metal strip or disc inside the void of the hot plate. The rubber seal is accessible on the outside of the plate and allows a user to manipulate the rubber seal and, thereby, flex the strip or disc that is held within the liquid inside the void. Flexing the metal causes crystallization which releases the energy (i.e., heat) of the crystal lattice. In order to reuse the hot plate, a packer can simply place the hot plate in boiling water which re-dissolves the sodium acetate trihydrate in the water and recreates a supersaturated solution. The hot plate can then be reused to provide heat during the next shipment.

Thus, in operation, the packer would position a pre-frozen (or pre-heated) temperature plate 310 into the crate 200 when packing the Vessel to provide a temperature (cold or hot) source therein. The temperature plate 310 can be affixed with the insulation cage 104 in any desired manner. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the temperature plates 310 can be slid into the insulation cage 104 and held in place via a shelf 320 or any other mechanism or device that is operable for holding an item in place.

In addition to their thermal conductive/convective properties, the drawers 106 can also be shaped to provide optimal space utility. It should be understood that the drawers 106 can be formed in any desired shape; however, in a desired aspect, the drawers 106 can be formed in a square shape that allows for optimized space utilization and cube formation when stacked.

Further, it should be understood that any item or container can be packed in the drawers 106. As a non-limiting example, the invention includes individual food containers that are specifically designed to minimize lateral space waste and increase the conductive and convective properties of the Vessel. Several non-limiting examples of such containers are illustrated in FIGS. 5B through 5J.

For example, FIG. 5B provides several illustrations of a small food container 520. Specifically, FIG. 5B provides front-view 521, side-view 522, top-view 523, bottom-view 524, top perspective-view 525, and bottom perspective-view 526 illustrations, respectively, of the small food container 520. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the food container can be formed in any desired shape and of any suitable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic being formed into the shapes as illustrated throughout FIGS. 5B through 5G. In this non-limiting example, the food containers include a lid 527 and a basket or container portion 528. Notably, a bottom of the container portion 528 includes at least one and desirably several protrusions 529 that are formed to engage with the container connectors (depicted as element 501 in FIG. 5A). For example, when the food container 520 is positioned into a drawer 106 (as shown in FIG. 5G), the protrusions 529 fit into the container connectors 501 and, in doing so, prevent the food container 520 from sliding around in the drawer 106. The protrusions 529 also prevent shifting which protects against damage to the food therein. Notably, the drawers 106 can be positioned closely on top of one another such that little space (e.g., one quarter of an inch) exists between top of a food container 520 and the bottom of a drawer 106. Thus, in addition to preventing shifting, the interior of the Vessel (and its drawers 106) is designed to protect the contents and provide a consistent and uniform temperature no matter what vertical orientation the Vessel is positioned in (i.e., it may be upside down at times or on its side).

Further, the protrusions 529 can be formed of any desired depth or length. For example, the protrusions 529 can be formed to protrude through the bottom container connector 501, yet be flush with the bottom-side of the drawer 106 (in which the particular container is attached). This aspect would allow for air flow in the drawer 106 compartment below to engage with the protrusion 529 and, in doing so, provide a cooling effect to the contents of that particular container. In another aspect, the protrusions 529 are of a sufficient depth or length such that they protrude through the thickness of the bottom of the drawer 106 and contact a container or ice pack in the drawer 106 compartment below. For example, if an ice pack were positioned directly below a particular drawer 106 and container 520, the protrusion 529, via contact with the ice pack [cold source?], would assist the conductive properties of the Vessel by allowing the temperature of the ice pack to more easily transfer to the contents of the particular container 520. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the protrusions 529 and container connectors 501 as described and illustrated are provided as but one non-limiting example according to the principles of the present invention and it should be understood that such connectors 501 and protrusions 529 can be reversed and/or positioned at any desirable location on the respective container 520 and drawer 106.

For further understanding. FIGS. 5C and 5D provide illustrations of additional container shapes. Specifically, FIG. 5C provides front-view 531, side-view 532, top-view 533, bottom-view 534, top perspective-view 535, and bottom perspective-view 536 illustrations, respectively, of the large food container 530. Finally, FIG. 5D provides front-view 541, side-view 542, top-view 543, bottom-view 544, top perspective-view 545, and bottom perspective-view 546 illustrations, respectively, of the elongated food container 540. Notably, both the large food container 530 and elongated food container 540 also include the optional protrusions 529. A benefit of the multiple and modular containers is that the modular containers enable multiple configuration layouts within the Vessel, which prevents the containers and food from moving.

For further understanding, FIG. 5E is a top, perspective-view illustration of a plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer, while FIG. 5F provides a bottom, perspective-view illustration of said containers. As a non-limiting example, the configuration as depicted in FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrates two small food containers 520, one large food container 530, and one elongated food container 540. Further, it should be noted that a temperature component can optionally be included. The temperature component is any mechanism, device, or item that is designed to affect or control temperature within the Vessel, non-limiting examples of which include an ice pack 550 or heat pack. For example, if the food is desirably maintained in a cooled state, the temperature component is an ice pack 550 that operates as a cold source (i.e., heat sink) to cool the Vessel. For example, the ice pack 550 can be a standard ice pack or gel pack that is positioned within the drawer to provide a cooling effect within the Vessel. In another aspect, the ice pack can be a frozen water bottle (e.g., a standard water bottle or shaped as illustrated in FIGS. 5E and 5F) that is used to cool the Vessel, yet can be retrieved by the end consumer for consumption. In yet another aspect, the temperature component (e.g., ice pack 550) can be formed to include protrusions 529 similar to that of the containers 520, 530, and 540. Thus, the ice pack 550 can also be securely affixed with the drawer 106 via the protrusions 529.

It should also be noted that the containers can be formed such that the side walls 552 rise from the ground surface at any desired angle. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in the figures, the side walls 522 can be formed at an angle such that they do not lay flat against an adjacent container. In other words, the side walls 522 are formed at angles to provide gaps 524 between adjacent containers. An advantage to this aspect is further illustrated in FIG. 5G. As shown in FIG. 5G, the holes 500 can be optimally positioned in the drawer 106 such that they are not covered when the drawer 106 is filled with containers (e.g., 520, 530, 540, and/or the ice pack 550). In this aspect, the container connectors 501 affix the desired containers such that the holes 500 are positioned between the side walls 522 of adjacent containers. Due to the gaps 524 between adjacent containers, air flow is maintained throughout the Vessel to provide for appropriate convective forces and cooling. Further, ridges or channels 560 can also be formed in the side walls 552 of the containers (e.g., 520, 530, 540). The channels 560 increase the gap 524 slightly to provide for air flow and convective forces and, further increase the side wall 522 surface area of any given container, thereby enhancing the ability of the container to maintain a desired temperature.

As noted above and as illustrated in the cross-sectional side-view illustration of FIG. 5H, any desired number and size of containers (e.g., 520 and 540) can be positioned within a drawer 106. In one aspect and as illustrated, the protrusions 529 fit into the container connectors 501 and, in doing so, prevent the food containers (e.g., 520 and 540) from sliding around in the drawer 106. The container connectors 501 can be holes formed entirely through the bottom portion 508 of the drawers 106. Thus, in this aspect, the protrusions 529 rest within the holes. As another non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 5H, the container connectors 501 can be recesses formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion 508 such that the protrusions 529 rest within the recesses to prevent the containers from moving.

As noted above and as further illustrated in FIG. 5I, the drawers 106 are designed to provide for both conductive and convective properties to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the Vessel and in each drawer 106. Thus, in one aspect, each drawer 106 is outfitted with its own cold source (e.g., ice pack 550) as well as a thermally conductive plate (e.g., metal bottom portion 508). The cold sources (e.g., ice pack 550) and thermally conductive bottom portion 508 transfer cold air to its surrounding containers and drawers 106 through convection 590, conduction 592, and radiation 594. By use of a thermally conductive bottom portion 508, the cold (or heat if used for hot items) can be transferred quickly and efficiently to the rest of the Vessel's contents, thus ensuring that the containers in contact with the thermally conductive bottom portion 508 stay within a prescribed temperature range (e.g., plus or minus ten (five, etc.) degrees of the pre-packed temperature). Additionally, the container connectors 501, when formed as recesses within a thermally conductive bottom portion 508, provide protrusions on a bottom side of the drawers 106 that further assist in conduction 592 if positioned against an adjacent container. For example, if the Vessel is upside down, a container which would otherwise be below a particular container connector 501 could now rest on top of the container connector 501 and receive cold/heat transfer via conductive forces. Additionally, convection slots 504 around the drawer 106 allow for the circulation of air inside the Vessel, thereby facilitating the convective flow of heat.

The concept of radiation 594 and convection 590 is further illustrated in the front-view illustration of FIG. 5J. As shown in FIG. 5J, a plurality of drawers 106 are positioned on top of one another. The cold sources (e.g., ice packs 550) in conjunction with the thermally conductive bottom portions 508 radiate 594 heat or cold to surrounding containers and drawers 106. Further, due to the slots, holes and spaces between the drawers and containers, a convention 590 flow occurs to further allow for maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the Vessel.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the shipping Vessel 100 includes a closing lid 108 that is used to seal the drawers 106 within the insulation cage 104. The closing lid 108 is any suitable lid mechanism or device that can be used to contain and/or seal the drawers 106 within the insulation cage 104, a non-limiting example of which is depicted in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 provides an exploded-view illustration of a lid 108 assembly according to the principles of the present invention. In this non-limiting example, the lid 108 includes an outer lid portion 600, lid insulation 602, an inner lid portion 604, a plug 606, pressure sensitive tape (PSA) 608, a clip 610, a gasket 612, and a plurality of lid magnets 614. The outer lid portion 600 is affixed with the inner lid portion 604 via, for example, sonic or plastic welding. The outer and inner lid portions 600 and 602 are formed such that after they are affixed with one another, a gap exists between the two components. The lid insulation 602 (e.g., polyurethane foam) can then be blown through a hole 601 and into the gap, with the hole 601 thereafter sealed with the plug 606 (e.g., via plastic or sonic welding).

A clip 610 is optionally included and affixed with the inner lid portion 604 using any suitable mechanism or device, a non-limiting example of which includes the pressure sensitive tape 608. The clip 610 is operable to hold paper, receipts, inventory, return shipping instructions, or any other suitable communication that is desirable to provide to the recipient of the shipping Vessel. Further, the inner lid portion 604 can be formed with a recess 620 that accommodates such a communication. As a non-limiting example, the recess 620 can be formed to fit an A4 of 8½ by 11 paper.

As noted above, the door gasket 612 is attached (e.g., via an adhesive or PSA) with the inner lid component 604. The door gasket 612 is any suitable mechanism, material, or device that is operable for providing an air seal between the lid 108 and the insulation cage when the lid 108 is affixed with the insulation cage. A non-limiting example of such a suitable door gasket 612 is foam and/or rubber weather stripping. Further, to assist the lid 108 in maintaining connectivity with the insulation cage, the shipping Vessel includes a cage locking device. The cage locking device is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for locking the lid 108 in place against the insulation cage, non-limiting examples of which include clasps, latches, keyed locks, etc. In a desired aspect, the cage locking device includes the plurality of lid magnets 614 that are polarity keyed to insulation cage magnets such that the lid 108 can only be attached one way. For example and referring again to FIG. 3A, a plurality of insulation cage magnets 312 can be affixed (e.g., via an adhesive, press-fit, etc.) with the insulation cage 104 at any suitable location to magnetically connect with the lid magnets 614. As a non-limiting example, a plurality of recesses 314 are formed in the insulation cage 104, with the insulation cage magnets 312 being press-fit and/or glued into the recesses 314. Thus and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lid 108 can be securely affixed with the insulation cage 104 via the magnetic connection between the lid magnets 614 and the insulation cage magnets 312. Thus, the lid magnets 614 in combination with the insulation cage magnets 312 serve as an efficient method to latch and seal the insulation cage 104 shut while still allowing quick access to the insulation cage 104 when not in transport.

As noted above, the plurality of lid magnets 614 are polarity keyed to insulation cage magnets 312 such that the lid 108 can only be attached one way. As a non-limiting example, all of the lid magnets 614 (except one) can be attached such that the positive sides of the magnets 614 protrude from the lid 108. One lid magnet 614 is reversed such that its negative side protrudes from the lid 108. In this aspect, the insulation cage magnets 312 would all be positioned (except one) such that their negative sides are directed to toward the lid 108. One insulation cage magnet 312 is reversed such that its positive side is positioned toward the lid 108. Thus, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there would only be one configuration in this example in which the lid 108 would adhere to the insulation cage 104.

As illustrated, the lid 108 is freely removable from the insulation cage 104. However, in another aspect, the lid 108 can be designed such that it is connected with the insulation cage 104 via a hinge.

In another aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lid 108 can be formed to include handles 616 that assist the user in grasping and pulling the lid 108 from the insulation cage 104. As a non-limiting example, the handles 616 are formed as continuous handles along the side lengths of the lid 108 to allow for sufficient grasping space while minimizing space intrusive handles.

As noted above and illustrated in FIG. 1, the shipping Vessel 100 also includes a hollow outer protective shell 102 that is formed to contain the insulation cage 104 (and lid 108) therein. The outer protective shell 102 is formed of any suitably stable and/or reusable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. It should be noted that the shell 102 serves as a maintainable shipping container for the insulation cage and can be reused multiple times for shipment.

Because the shell 102 is reusable, it may be subject to wear. As such, some or all parts of the outer protective shell 102 can be easily replaced should a part turn out to be broken or no longer functional. The design is implemented so that the failure of one part on the shell 102 will desirably not jeopardize the usability of the shell 102 as a whole. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the outer shell 102 includes replaceable door locking mechanisms 706 and handle assemblies 724. The outer shell 102 and its various components are described in further detail below.

In a desired aspect, the shell 102 is formed of a translucent or transparent plastic corrugate that allows for printing on both the inside and outside of the shell 102. For example, printing on the inside of the shell 102 can be seen on the outside of the shell 102.

Further, the outer protective shell 102 is formed in any suitable shape and in any suitable manner to allow for containment of the insulation cage therein 104, a non-limiting example of which is the cube-shape as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. Further and as shown in FIG. 7C, the outer protective shell 102 includes front loading doors 700 and 702 with a single, center closing seam 704.

The doors 700 and 702 are securely closed using the door locking mechanism 706. The door locking mechanism 706 is any suitable mechanism or device that allows for selectively locking/unlocking two components together. As a non-limiting example, the door locking mechanism 706 is a ratcheting latch. In other words, the ratcheting latch spans the center closing seam 704 and pulls the seam tightly closed to seal the doors 700 and 702 in a closed position. Unlocking the ratcheting latch allows the front loading doors 700 and 702 to swing 708 open to allow access to the insulation cage contained therein.

In a desired aspect, the shell 102 includes a mechanism or device that allows a user to maintain the doors 700 and 702 in an open position. For example, open connectors 710 are affixed with the doors 700 and 702 and outer walls of the shell 102. Thus, when the doors 700 and 702 are swung 708 entirely open, the open connectors 710 engage with one another to maintain the doors 700 and 702 affixed against the side walls. The open connectors 710 are any suitable mechanism or device that allows for the doors 700 and 702 to be selectively maintained in an open position, non-limiting examples of which include magnets or hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro™).

In an aspect in which the outer shell 102 is formed as a box-shape (e.g., cube-shape) with front loading doors 700 and 702, all of the wall edges are directly connected with another wall edge, with the exception of the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges. For example, the top wall 716 of the shell 102 is connected with a side wall 718 along the length of a top, side-edge 720. Because of the lengthwise connection along the top, side-edge 720, the top, side-edge 720 becomes relatively rigid. However, if the outer shell 102 is formed of a material that is somewhat flexible (e.g., plastic corrugate), the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges are not connected, with any other component along their entire lengths and, as such, are subject to flexion and deformation. To provide further stability/rigidity to the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges, rigid trim assemblies 722 can be included that clip over the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges to provide rigidity to said edges. As shown in FIG. 10, the rigid trim assembly 722 is a clip-like device that can simply be slid over and affixed with the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges to provide rigidity to said edges. The rigid trim assembly 722 can be affixed with the relevant edges using any suitable mechanism or device, non-limiting examples of which include an adhesive or PSA 1000.

Referring again to FIG. 7C, to assist in carrying the Vessel, the shell 102 can be formed to include one or more handle assemblies 724 on one or more side walls 718 (desirably, two opposing side walls 718). While any suitable handle device can be employed, the handle assemblies 724 are desirably designed as high-strength, low-profile handles, a non-limiting example of which is illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the handle assembly 724 includes a plastic base plate 800 having a spring-loaded plastic handle 802 pivotally attached thereto. The handle 802 is spring-loaded via a spring 808 or any other device that biases the handle 802 toward the base plate 800. The base plate 800 can be positioned within the outer shell 102 and secured (via screws 804 or any other adhesion technique) to a plastic faceplate 806 that is positioned outside of the outer shell 102. Thus, the side wall 718 of the outer shell 102 is effectively sandwiched between the face plate 806 and base plate 800 to provide for a secure and retractable handle 802.

As noted above with respect to FIG. 7C, the doors 700 and 702 are securely closed using a door locking mechanism 706. For further understanding, a non-limiting example of a suitable locking mechanism 706 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the door locking mechanism includes first part 900 for connecting with a first door (e.g., element 700 in FIG. 7C) and second part 902 for connecting with the second door (e.g., element 702 in FIG. 7C). The first part 900 can be affixed with the first door 700 via, for example, a first base plate 904 with screws 906 that pass through the first door 700 and into the first part 900. Similarly, the second part 902 can be affixed with the second door 702 via, for example, a second base plate 908 with screws 910 that pass through the second door 702 and into the second part 902. Regardless of the particular connection technique, importantly, the first and second parts 900 and 902 are formed to securely attach with one another and seal the doors closed. Thus, as one non-limiting example, the first part 900 includes an elongated portion 912 with a clasp portion 914 attached with the elongated portion 912 via a hinge. As shown, the clasp portion 914 includes a clasp 916 and a lifting handle 918.

The second part 902 includes a catch 920 formed to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp 916. For example, as the clasp portion 914 pivots downward, the clasp 916 is forced over and against the catch 920, thereby locking the clasp 916 against the catch 920. Notably, the elongated portion 912 serves to position the clasp portion 914 (and its clasp 916) more directly over the second part 902 (and its catch 920) and, in doing so, reduces the requisite radius of rotation 922 of the clasp portion 914. Because the radius of rotation 922 is decreased (in comparison to a clasp that did not include such an elongated portion 912), the clasp 916 provides a returning force 924 to the catch 920. In other words, in addition to simply locking, the clasp 916 forces the catch 920 back toward the first part 900. By forcing the catch 920 back toward the first part 900, the first and second doors 700 and 702 are further tightened against one another to form a tight closing seal there between.

Desirably, the Vessel includes a tamper proof latch system. The tamper proof latch system is any suitable mechanism or device that provides an indication/assurance to an end user (consumer) that the contents of the Vessel have not been tampered with during shipment. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the door locking mechanism 706 is formed such that a breakable band 1100 (e.g., formed of paper, plastic, etc.) can be attached to the door locking mechanism 706. In this aspect, a sealed band 1100 (shown in FIG. 11A) would indicate that no one has opened the Vessel, whereas an open band 1100 (shown in FIG. 11B) would indicate that the Vessel has been opened. For example, the second part 902 (and corresponding second base plate) can include slots 1104 formed there through to accommodate the band 1100. The band 1100 can be positioned through the slots 1104 and around the back of the second part 902 (and corresponding second base plate) and over the clasp portion 914. The band 1100 is then sealed unto itself to form the sealed band 1100 (as illustrated in FIG. 11A). When someone lifts the clasp portion 914, the band 1100 is broken into an open band 1100 (as illustrated in FIG. 11B). Thus, in this example, it is entirely impossible to open the doors 700 and 702 and access the contents without breaking the band 1100.

As noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in one aspect, designed for ease of shipping by common carriers. While the Vessel and its components can be formed in any size, shape, and dimension, desirably and in one aspect, the components are formed to meet the volumetric and weight requirements for low-cost shipping by common carriers. As a non-limiting example and per the shipping requirements of one carrier (i.e., FedEx), the volume (as measured from the exterior) must be less than 5,184 cubic inches to avoid excess size surcharges. In other words and per this non-limiting example, “dimensional weight” is applied to FedEx ground packages that are three cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or larger. To determine the volume, one must multiple the length of the Vessel, by its width and height. If the total is 5,184 cubic inches or greater, then one must calculate the dimensional weight of the Vessel by dividing the volume by 166 (for shipments within the U.S.) or 139 (for shipments to Canada). If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges may be assessed based on the dimensional weight (now being referred to as a chargeable weight). If the chargeable weight exceeds 150 lbs., a prorated per-pound rate will be used. Dimensions of one-half inch or greater are rounded up to the next whole number, whereas dimensions less than one-half inch are rounded down. The final calculation is rounded up to the next whole pound.

Alternatively, if the Vessel measures less than 5,184 cubic inches, dimensional weight does not apply and shipping charges will be assessed based on actual weight. Therefore and as noted above, it is desirable (in this example) to form the Vessel so that its volume (as measured from its exterior) is less than 5,184 cubic inches (and desirably greater than 4,000 cubic inches). Thus, in one non-limiting example and referring again to FIG. 1, the outer protective shell 102 is formed in a cubic shape such that each of its length 120, width 122 and height 124 are 17.25 inches, providing a total volume of 5,134 cubic inches. If rounded down (i.e., from 17.25 to 17 inches), then the total volume is 4,913 cubic inches. The insulation cage 104 is then cubicly-shaped to closely fit within the shell 102 and maximize the space available for shipping the items within the Vessel.

Also as noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in one aspect, reusable. For example and as addressed above, many of the components can be easily replaced if deemed damaged or broken. Replacing individual components (as opposed to the entire Vessel) reduces waste, provides for cost efficiencies, and is green (i.e., promotes environmental benefits and considerations). In addition to simply being replaceable, the Vessel can be formed of any suitable material that assists in reusability. For example, the Vessel and its components are formed of material that allows it to withstand the rigors of shipping and then, once returned, to be sanitized so that it can be re-used. As a non-limiting example, the Vessel and its components are formed of thermoplastics (ABS plastic), polyethylene, polypropylene, BPA-free materials, stamped aluminum and steel, urethane foam or alternative insulation materials, or any combination thereof. In essence and in one aspect, the Vessel and its components are desirably formed of stable, sealable, and/or sanitize-able materials that allow for sterilization and reuse.

In another aspect, the Vessel can be formed to have on-board sensing capabilities and/or analytics, such as electronic monitoring of the temperature in the Vessel, the contents and inventory of the Vessel, tamper and theft detection, etc. The Vessel can also be formed to have the capability to transmit the obtained data/information to a desired party via the Cloud or any other suitable transmission medium (e.g., Internet, Wifi, etc.). Thus, the Vessel can include any required sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, tilt sensor, GPS sensor, light sensor, etc.) and or components that allow for sensing and/or analytics of the status of the Vessel, a non-limiting example of which include temperature sensors communicatively connected with a microprocessor or chip and transmitter for analyzing and/or transmitting the relevant temperature data to a receiving party (through the Cloud, Internet, etc.). As another non-limiting example, a circuit can be completed when the doors of the Vessel are closed. When the doors are open, the circuit is broken, which is indicative of opening or tampering with the Vessel. Thus, in one aspect, the Vessel can include the relevant components to sense when the doors are open, with a micro-processor or other circuitry that is operable for analyzing and/or transmitting the data to the relevant party. As such and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are a variety of sensing and analytical features that can be incorporated into the Vessel which provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the Vessel and its contents

In summary, described is a shipping Vessel that includes an outer protective shell 102, an internal insulation cage 104 with a closing lid 108 and a plurality of drawers 106. The drawers 106 and other components are specifically designed to provide for conductive and/or convective properties within the Vessel 100 to assist in maintaining items (e.g., food, etc.) at a desired temperature. Further, the food containers 520 and cold/hot sources (e.g., ice packs 550) are also designed to assist in the conductive and/or convective properties of the food shipping Vessel 100. Some non-limiting example advantages over the prior art include: (1) the ability to maintain desired temperatures (e.g., cold or hot) for a desired period of time (e.g., at least 36 hours) after the shipping Vessel 100 leaves the cold (or hot) chain (even when exposed to extreme temperatures, such as 95 degrees Fahrenheit); (2) the shipping Vessel 100 is designed to work within the existing logistics infrastructure, including but not limited to FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to meet their volumetric and weight requirements for low-cost shipping; (3) the drawers 106 and containers are designed to separate and protect contents from trauma during transit; (4) the modular design allows for shipping a wide variety of contents; (5) the Vessel 100 is constructed with durable materials that can be re-used; (6) the materials and design allow for easy sanitization for reuse; (7) no tape or scissors are needed to seal or open the Vessel 100; and (8) the shipping Vessel 100 can accommodate food or other items destined to multiple consumers at one shipping location. Finally, it should be understood that the specific examples described and illustrated are provided as non-limiting examples of suitable aspects; however, the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as it can be modified as needed and is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shipping vessel, comprising: an insulation cage, the insulation cage being adapted to hold one or more drawers therein; and one or more drawers for positioning within the insulation cage, each drawer adapted to hold at least one item thereon.
 2. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the insulation cage includes a crate and a tub, with an insulation layer entirely sealed between the crate and tub.
 3. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 2, wherein the insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers within the insulation cage.
 4. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 3, wherein the insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single configuration.
 5. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 4, wherein the one or more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items amongst the drawers.
 6. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 5, wherein the drawers include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the slots are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.
 7. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 6, wherein the thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes formed therethrough, whereby the holes are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.
 8. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of containers for attaching with a drawer, each of the containers having a plurality of protrusions.
 9. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 8, wherein each drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as recesses to receive the plurality of protrusions and hold the container in place during transit.
 10. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 9, wherein the container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion such that when the containers are affixed with the container connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby assisting convection flow amongst the drawers.
 11. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 10, further comprising at least one temperature plate for positioning within the insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a desired temperature for a period of time.
 12. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 11, wherein the temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a cold temperature to the vessel during transit.
 13. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 12, further comprising an outer protective shell for holding the insulation cage therein.
 14. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 13, wherein the shell includes front loading doors with a single, center closing seam.
 15. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 14, further comprising a ratcheting latch mechanism that spans the center closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal the doors in a closed position.
 16. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 15, wherein the ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage.
 17. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a clasp and a lifting handle.
 18. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 17, wherein the second part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp.
 19. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a tamper proof latch system, whereby the tamper proof latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during transit.
 20. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 19, wherein the tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the clasp portion causes the band to break.
 21. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 20, wherein the shell includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably attachable with the outer walls.
 22. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 21, wherein each handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto, with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable handle.
 23. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 22, further comprising open connectors affixed with the doors and outer walls of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in an open position.
 24. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 23, wherein the open connectors are magnets.
 25. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 24, wherein the shell is formed of a corrugate plastic.
 26. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 25, wherein the shell and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped.
 27. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers within the insulation cage.
 28. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 27, wherein the insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single configuration.
 29. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the one or more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items amongst the drawers.
 30. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein the drawers include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the slots are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.
 31. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein the thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes formed there through, whereby the holes are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.
 32. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein each drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as recesses to hold a container in place during transit.
 33. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein each drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, and the bottom portion includes a plurality of holes formed therethrough, wherein the container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion such that when a container is affixed with the container connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby assisting convection flow amongst the drawers.
 34. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of containers for attaching with a drawer, each of the containers having a plurality of protrusions.
 35. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one temperature plate for positioning within the insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a desired temperature for a period of time.
 36. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 35, wherein the temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a cold temperature to the vessel during transit.
 37. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an outer protective shell for holding the insulation cage therein.
 38. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell includes front loading doors with a single, center closing seam.
 39. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 38, farther comprising a ratcheting latch mechanism that spans the center closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal the doors in a closed position.
 40. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 39, wherein the ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage.
 41. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 39, wherein the ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second door, wherein the first part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a clasp and a lifting handle.
 42. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 41 wherein the second part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage with a clasp.
 43. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 41, further comprising a tamper proof latch system, whereby the tamper proof latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during transit.
 44. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 43, wherein the tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the clasp portion causes the band to break.
 45. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably attachable with the outer walls.
 46. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 45, wherein each handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto, with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable handle.
 47. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 38, further comprising open connectors affixed with the doors and outer walls of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in an open position.
 48. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 47, wherein the open connectors are magnets.
 49. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell is formed of a corrugate plastic.
 50. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped. 